"where is the limit to replicators?" Well, replicators require energy to run. And that energy is created by using up a mined resource (Trilithium/Dilithium/or s

"where is the limit to replicators?" Well, replicators require energy to run. And that energy is created by using up a mined resource (Trilithium/Dilithium/or something). They unfortunately gloss over a lot of these issues in the show, for simplicity and entertainment. Unless it's part of a "plot device", then they make things scarce.